UCF received 19 first-place votes in the preseason media poll, earning the Knights a conference-high 169 total points in the tabulation. Cincinnati, coming off an 11-win season, received 11 first-place votes in the East Division.
In the West Division, Memphis was picked as the division favorite for a third straight preseason with 15 first-place votes in the division, but Dana Holgorsen and his Houston Cougars received 14 first-place votes. The Tigers and Cougars are separated by just three points in the preseason poll. SMU also received a first-place vote in the West Division, although the Mustangs finished fourth overall in the preseason media poll.
UCF was the leader in conference championship picks with 12 votes going to the Knights. Cincinnati had the second-most votes for the AAC title. Memphis was 3rd.
EAST DIVISION
- UCF (19 first-place votes) â 169 points
- Cincinnati (11) â 157
- USF â 107
- Temple 101
- East Carolina â 66
- UConn â 30
WEST DIVISION
- Memphis (15 first-place votes) â 165
- Houston (14) â 162
- Tulane â 108
- SMU (1) â 87
- Navy â 70
- Tulsa â 38
AAC CHAMPIONSHIP
- UCF â 12 points
- Cincinnati â 8
- Memphis â 6
- Houston â 4